Chapter 4
The atmosphere in the Brown Group's conference room was stifling.
All the company's directors were seated around the long oval table.
These were the old-timers who had built the company with Dad, and right now, every one of them wore a complicated expression.
Some looked regretful, others were bitter and resentful, and a few, when their gaze shifted to the head seat, had eyes filled with blatant ambition and sharp scrutiny.
Cora Perez sat at the head of the table, claiming the seat reserved for the boss.
She seemed to relish the spotlight, wearing a poised, confident smile as she engaged in conversation with the vice president next to her.
When Mom and I walked into the conference room, every head turned to look at us.
Cora looked surprised for a second, but then her expression turned smug.
"Jane, why are you here? Seats are assigned based on shareholding."
Her meaning was crystal clear.
We no longer had the right to sit here.
One of the directors stood up to speak on our behalf." Ms. Perez, Jane, after all..." he started.
Cora raised her hand, cutting him off.
"Mr. Sullivan, I know what you're about to say. I do respect Jane, but rules are rules."
She looked at us, her smile full of phony sympathy.
"Alright, just put two chairs in the back for them. Let them sit there and listen in, like spectators."
This was pure humiliation.
I was so furious that my face turned bright red.
But Mom stayed calm. She took my hand and led me to the corner of the room, where we sat down.
We were just two spectators, sitting there like we didn't matter at all.
The directors looked at us, their eyes full of sympathy and helplessness.
My uncle Ryan showed up too. He was one of the shareholders, though he only had a small stake.
He looked ready to storm over, but Mom shot him a look that stopped him in his tracks.
The meeting started promptly at nine o'clock.
Michael presided over the meeting as the official witness.
He quickly went over the paperwork for the equity transfer, confirming Cora Perez as the biggest shareholder in the company.
Cora stood up.
She cleared her throat and unfolded the speech she'd carefully prepared.
She said, "Dear everyone.
"Today, I stand before you with both sorrow and a strong sense of responsibility.
"Liam entrusted me with the company he valued above all else. He placed his trust in me, and I have made a solemn promise to him."
She spoke with deep emotion, and when she reached the most moving part, she even wiped a tear from the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.
She continued, "I know some of you may have doubts about me. Can a woman, someone with no business background, really lead the Brown Group?
"I may not be an expert in running a company, but I understand Liam. I know exactly where he wanted to take this company.
"Moving forward, I'll be making some changes to the management team and bringing in new strategic investors..."
She began confidently sharing her big plans for the company.
I listened, my heart pounding with anxiety.
Everything she said was shaking the very foundation of the company. She was about to turn the solid business my dad poured his heart and soul into just a hollow shell for investors to mess around with.
Some of the old board members looked absolutely livid.
Alex Sullivan couldn't hold it in any longer and interrupted her.
He said, "Ms. Perez, aren't these changes you're talking about a bit too rushed? The company's business is running smoothly. We really don't need such big shake-ups."
Cora's expression turned cold.
She said, "Mr. Sullivan, mind how you address me. I'm the one in charge now.
"I don't owe anyone an explanation for what I decide."
Her arrogance and sense of authority were laid bare for everyone to see.
Alex was so furious he couldn't even get a word out. He just slumped back into his seat with nothing left to say.
The conference room was dead silent.
Everyone knew the Brown Group was about to be turned upside down.
Cora looked pleased with the impact she'd made. She swept her gaze across the room, like a queen surveying her kingdom.
Her eyes finally landed on Mom and me, and a triumphant smile tugged at her lips.
She thought she'd already won.
Just then, Michael, who hadn't said a word so far, suddenly stood up.
He adjusted his glasses and calmly looked around the room.
He said, "Everyone, please stay calm."
His voice wasn't loud, but everyone heard him clearly.
"Before Ms. Perez begins to exercise her rights as a shareholder, there's one more document I need to present to everyone."
Cora frowned.
She said, "Mr. Quinn, is there another document? Didn't you already read the will?"
Michael looked at her and carefully took out another sealed envelope from his briefcase.
He said, "Yes, Mr. Brown's will has already been read.
"But there's another will right here."
He said, stressing each word.
"A will that's just been cleared for public disclosure."
Cora's smile instantly vanished from her face.
The whole room went still, as if the air had turned to ice.